Political Science - POLS 109

Course Description

This course is an introductory study of America’s state and local governments. Emphasis is placed on the nature of state constitutions, the structure and operation of state executive/legislative/judicial branches, and the organization and functioning of local governments. State/federal and state/local relations will also be covered in this course. Students will engage in analysis of decision-makers, power and controversial issues.

Prerequisites

(A requirement that must be completed before taking this course.)

Course Competencies

Upon successful completion of the course, the student should be able to:

• Explain the importance of state and local governments in the American federal system.
• Investigate levels of political participation by individuals and groups in state and local politics.
• Apply basic terms used in the study of state and local government.
• Analyze current events to illustrate academic theories on state and local government.
• Evaluate how state legislatures fulfill their constitutional and democratic responsibilities.
• Characterize the role that local governments play within the larger arena of state politics.
• Evaluate how governors fulfill their political and legal roles.
• Investigate the state judiciary's structure and role in settling legal disputes.
• Analyze the formation and implementation of state and local public policy.

Course Schedule